Four Psychological Perspectives on Creativity
Title
Four Psychological Perspectives on Creativity
Author
Damian, Rodica Ioana
Simonton, Dean Keith
Research Area
Development
Topic
Skills and Talent Development
Abstract
Creativity is a unique feature of human thinking and behavior that is essential to our species' survival, future progress, and even the rise and fall of civilizations. To understand this highly complex phenomenon, we need to adopt an interdisciplinary and multimethod approach. Because creativity happens at many different levels both intra‐ and interindividual, the psychological science of creativity currently lacks a strong paradigmatic coherence. In this essay, we review creativity research from four different scientific perspectives: cognitive, differential, developmental, and social, and attempt to provide a unified overarching picture. We present foundational and cutting‐edge research addressing the following questions: (i) What cognitive processes are involved in creative thinking; (ii) What personality traits are characteristic of the creative person; (iii) What developmental factors lead to creative achievement; and (iv) What social factors foster creativity? We identify current debate issues and propose ways to promote unity and coherence in creativity research across psychological subfields. We offer a clear definition of creativity and identify promising theoretical models that could help integrate and direct future research.